U.S. patent application number 13/530350 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-11 for mobile advertising on personal cellular telecommunications devices.
Invention is credited to Amit GIL, Uri NERIA.
Application Number | 20120258695 13/530350 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39589071 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120258695 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GIL; Amit ; et al. |
October 11, 2012 |
MOBILE ADVERTISING ON PERSONAL CELLULAR TELECOMMUNICATIONS
DEVICES
Abstract
Mobile advertising on personal cellular telecommunications
devices includes an initial Level 0 Interactive Display Message
(IDM) having a content precursor for requesting additional content
with or without a visual advertising component. Level 0 IDMs may be
displayed as part of a user initiated client application or
automatically replacing an idle screen. Mobile advertising can
optionally include one or more Level 1 Advertisement Display
Messages (ADMs) including text, graphics, video, and the like.
Level 1 ADMs may be interactive or not.
Inventors: |
GIL; Amit; (Yehud, IL)
; NERIA; Uri; (Chofit, IL) |
Family ID: |
39589071 |
Appl. No.: |
13/530350 |
Filed: |
June 22, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12448211 |
Jun 12, 2009 |
8219153 |
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PCT/IL07/00358 |
Mar 20, 2007 |
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13530350 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/414.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0242 20130101;
G06Q 30/0267 20130101; G06Q 30/0241 20130101; G06Q 30/0257
20130101; G06Q 30/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/414.1 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/02 20120101
G06Q030/02; H04W 4/00 20090101 H04W004/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 4, 2007 |
IL |
180542 |
Claims
1. Method for mobile advertising on a personal cellular
telecommunications device having a display screen, the method
comprising the steps of: (a) displaying a Level 0 interactive
display message including a content precursor on the display
screen, the Level 0 interactive display message having at least one
response mechanism for continuing regular device operation
including displaying additional content associated with the content
precursor; (b) displaying mobile advertising on the display screen
either simultaneously with the content precursor in a single
display image or between a subscriber invoking the Level 0
interactive display message for displaying the additional content
associated with its content precursor and displaying the additional
content; (c) on a subscriber invoking the Level 0 interactive
display message, displaying a Level 1 interactive advertisement
display message including a visual advertising component, and an
advertisement-request response mechanism for requesting advertising
information associated therewith; and (d) on a subscriber invoking
said advertisement-request response mechanism, providing the
advertising information to the subscriber.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the Level 0 interactive
display message additionally includes a visual advertising
component.
3. The method as claimed in claim 2 whereupon, on a subscriber
invoking a single response mechanism, displaying an interactive
options menu including a first response mechanism for continuing
regular device operation and a second response mechanism for
requesting advertising information associated with the visual
advertising component, whereupon, on a subscriber invoking the
second response mechanism, providing the advertising information to
the subscriber.
4. The method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the Level 0 interactive
display message includes a second response mechanism for requesting
advertising information associated with the visual advertising
component whereupon, on a subscriber invoking the second response
mechanism, immediately providing the advertising information to the
subscriber.
5. The method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the visual advertising
component is retrieved from a buffer of visual advertising
components.
6. The method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the Level 0 interactive
display message includes the visual advertising component.
7. The method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the Level 0 interactive
display message is a PTMP message and the visual advertising
component is a PTP message.
8. The method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the Level 0 interactive
display message is a PTP message and the visual advertising
component is a PTMP message.
9. The method as claimed in claim 2 wherein immediately providing
advertising information to a subscriber includes at least one of
the following: (a) displaying a WAP page; (b) displaying a SMS or
MMS; (c) placing a call to a call center, (d) displaying another
interactive display message; (e) transmitting a request for a call
center to call the subscriber, (f) transmitting a request for a
link to be forwarded to the subscriber's email address; and (g)
displaying a menu listing at least two of aforesaid response
mechanisms.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9 where a subscriber manually
completes his email address prior to transmitting the request for a
link to be forwarded to the subscriber's email address.
11. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein a Level 0 interactive
display message includes an instruction regarding its display time
on a display screen.
12. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein a Level 1
advertisement display message includes a user instruction for
continuing regular device operation.
13. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein a Level 1 interactive
advertisement display message further includes a continue-request
response mechanism for continuing regular device operation.
14. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein a Level 1
advertisement display message includes the content precursor of its
originating Level 0 interactive display message.
15. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein a Level 1
advertisement display message does not advertise the same product
or service as its originating Level 0 interactive display
message.
16. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein a Level I
advertisement display message is retrieved from a buffer of
advertisement display messages.
17. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein a Level I
advertisement display message is transmitted subsequent to the
interactive display message.
18. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein a Level I
advertisement display message includes an instruction regarding its
display time.
19. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the interactive
display message is a PTMP message and a Level 1 advertisement
display message is a PTP message.
20. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the interactive
display message is a PTP message and a Level 1 advertisement
display message is a PTMP message.
21. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein a Level 0 interactive
display message scrolls down to a Level 1 advertisement display
message.
22. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein a Level 1
advertisement display message replaces a Level 0 interactive
display message.
23. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein, on a subscriber
invoking a Level 0 interactive display message to display the
additional content associated with its content precursor,
displaying at least one Level 1 advertisement display message
before displaying the additional content associated with the
content precursor and interrupting displaying the at least one
Level 1 advertisement display message after a predetermined time
delay from the invoking of the Level 0 interactive display
message.
24. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein, on a subscriber
invoking a Level 0 interactive display message to display the
additional content associated with its content precursor,
displaying at least one Level 1 advertisement display message
before displaying the additional content and interrupting
displaying the at least one Level 1 advertisement display message
after displaying a predetermined number of Level 1 advertisement
display messages from the invoking of the Level 0 interactive
display message.
25. System for mobile advertising on a personal cellular
telecommunications devices comprising: a personal cellular
telecommunications device having a display screen, said personal
cellular telecommunications device capable of: (a) displaying a
Level 0 interactive display message including a content precursor
on the display screen, the Level 0 interactive display message
having at least one response mechanism for continuing regular
device operation including displaying additional content associated
with the content precursor; (b) displaying mobile advertising on
the display screen either simultaneously with the content precursor
in a single display image or between a subscriber invoking the
Level 0 interactive display message for displaying the additional
content associated with its content precursor and displaying the
additional content; (c) on a subscriber invoking the Level 0
interactive display message, displaying a Level 1 interactive
advertisement display message including a visual advertising
component and an advertisement-request response mechanism for
requesting advertising information associated therewith; and (d) on
a subscriber invoking said advertisement-request response
mechanism, providing the advertising information to the
subscriber.
26. The system of claim 25, wherein the Level 0 interactive display
message additionally includes a visual advertising component.
27. The system of claim 25, wherein the Level 0 intermediate
display message includes an instruction regarding its display time
on a display screen.
28. The system of claim 25, wherein the Level 1 advertisement
display message includes a continue-request user instruction for
continuing regular device operation.
29. The system of claim 25, wherein the Level 1 advertisement
display message includes the content precursor of its originating
Level 0 interactive display message.
30. Personal cellular telecommunications device comprising: (a) a
cellular network interface for bi-directional interfacing with a
cellular telecommunications network; and (b) an operating system in
communication with said cellular network interface and operative
for displaying mobile advertising, said operating system capable
of: (a) displaying a Level 0 interactive display message including
a content precursor on a display screen of the personal cellular
telecommunications device, the Level 0 interactive display message
having at least one response mechanism for continuing regular
device operation including displaying additional content associated
with the content precursor; (b) displaying mobile advertising on
the display screen either simultaneously with the content precursor
in a single display image or between a subscriber invoking the
Level 0 interactive display message for displaying the additional
content associated with its content precursor and displaying the
additional content; (c) on a subscriber invoking the Level 0
interactive display message, displaying a Level 1 interactive
advertisement display message including a visual advertising
component and an advertisement-request response mechanism for
requesting advertising information associated therewith; and (d) on
a subscriber invoking said advertisement-request response
mechanism, providing the advertising information to the
subscriber.
31. The device as claimed in claim 30 and further comprising a
register for storing the maximum duration of the display of an
interactive display message.
32. The device as claimed in either claim 30 and further comprising
a register for storing a maximum time delay for displaying at least
one Level 1 advertisement display message after a subscriber
invokes a Level 0 interactive display message for displaying the
additional content associated with its content precursor and
displaying the additional content whereupon said operating system
interrupts displaying the at least one Level 1 advertisement
display message to display the additional content on elapse of the
maximum time delay.
33. The device as claimed in claim 30 and further comprising a
register for storing a maximum number of Level 1 advertisement
display messages to be displayed between a subscriber invoking a
Level 0 interactive display message requesting the additional
content associated with its content precursor and displaying the
additional content whereupon said operating system interrupts
displaying said at least one Level 1 advertisement display messages
to display the additional content on displaying of said maximum
number of Level 1 advertisement display messages.
34. The personal cellular telecommunications device of claim 30,
wherein the Level 0 interactive display message additionally
includes a visual advertising component.
35. The personal cellular telecommunications device of claim 30,
wherein the Level 0 interactive display message includes an
instruction regarding its display time on a display screen.
36. The personal cellular telecommunications device of claim 30,
wherein the Level 1 advertisement display message includes a
continue-request user instruction for continuing regular device
operation.
37. The personal cellular telecommunications device of claim 30,
wherein the Level 1 advertisement display message includes the
content precursor of its originating Level 0 interactive display
message.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/448,211, filed Jun. 12, 2009, which
is a National Phase Application of PCT International Application
No. PCT/IL2007/000358, International Filing Date Mar. 20, 2007,
which in turn claims priority from Israel Patent Application No.
180542, filed Jan. 4, 2007, all of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention pertains to mobile advertising on personal
cellular telecommunications devices. For the purpose of the present
invention, the term "personal cellular telecommunications device"
refers to a wide range of portable handheld electronic devices
having small display screens and voice communications capabilities.
The term "personal cellular telecommunications device" is intended
to include inter alia radio telephones, smart phones,
communicators, and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Cellular operators display Advertisement Display Messages
(ADMs) on personal cellular telecommunications devices as a way of
garnering additional revenue or charging subscribers less whilst
making up the difference with advertising revenue, and naturally
desire to charge as high rates as possible. ADMs displayed on
personal cellular telecommunications devices include a visual
component such as text or graphics and may be interactive for
enabling a subscriber to request additional advertising
information. ADMs may be downloaded in real time or alternatively
they can be stored in a buffer. ADMs can be time sensitive and
location sensitive, and also subscriber sensitive in accordance
with a subscriber profile in terms of age, interests, etc.
[0004] Advertisers are prepared to pay premium rates for peak
advertising time slots and prime advertising positions, for
example, at the top of a page, a pop-up banner, and the like. Peak
advertising time applies to displaying ADMs on personal cellular
telecommunications devices in a similar manner to other advertising
media. Against this, prime advertising positioning is hardly
applicable to displaying ADMs on personal cellular
telecommunications devices due to their small screen size.
Moreover, advertisers are prepared to pay additional sums for ADMs
which have been viewed to a high degree of certainty.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Applicant's PCT International Publication No. WO 01/52572,
the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference,
illustrates and describes a cellular telecommunications network
capable of transmitting a multi-programming channel 24/7 cellular
broadcasting service to a plurality of individually addressable
BTSs each providing bidirectional signal coverage over a predefined
geographical area ranging from so-called typically indoor pico
cells each covering a few square meters through so-called micro
cells each covering anywhere from a few tens to a few hundreds of
square meters up to cells covering several square kilometers. The
BTSs are each capable of transmitting Point-To-MultiPoint (PTMP)
display messages and Point-To-Point (PTP) display messages for
streaming mostly different content, mostly Interactive Display
Messages (IDMs) on personal cellular telecommunications devices.
The PTMP display messages are dispatched from a Point-To-MultiPoint
Display Message Dispatcher and the PTP display messages are
dispatched from a Point-To-Point Display Message Dispatcher. Both
the PTMP display messages and the PTP display messages originate at
a Display Message Input Entity. Programming can be selected by a
Programming Channel Allocation Scheme.
[0006] WO 01/52572's FIG. 1 shows two exemplary successive
time-sensitive IDMs displayed in a screen saver-like manner
replacing a normally displayed idle screen. The IDMs include
"NASDAQ DROPS 10% PRESS SND FOR DETAILS" display at 9:00 and
"NASDAQ JUMPS 20%" displayed at 9:01. The 9:00 IDM is an example of
an IDM prompting a subscriber as to the action required by him to
obtain additional information from an information provider. Against
this, the 9:01 IDM is an example of an IDM which does not prompt a
subscriber as to which action is needed to take to obtain
additional information since he is already cognizant of the fact
that pressing the SND key will automatically connect him to a
suitable information service. Activation of IDMs activates a
point-to-point transmission response mechanism from the list of a:
a voice call, an SMS, a data session, for example, an Internet
browsing session, a SIM browsing session, and the like (see WO
01/52572's FIG. 2).
[0007] Applicant's market commercial implementations of the
invention published under WO 01/52572 under the tradename
LIVESCREEN.TM.. Commercial LIVESCREEN.TM. implementations typically
enable subscribers to select SMS, voice or WAP as the transport
bearer of requested additional content. Subscribers typically
select their preferred transport bearer from a suitable options
menu.
[0008] The present invention is directed towards mobile advertising
on personal cellular telecommunications devices. The mobile
advertising includes an initial IDM having a content precursor with
or without a visual advertising component. IDMs may be displayed as
part of a user initiated client application or automatically
replacing an idle screen. The mobile advertising optionally
includes one or more ADMs including text, graphics, video, and the
like. The present invention takes into consideration perceived
subscriber attitudes regarding mobile advertising and their
expectations regarding the operation of their personal cellular
telecommunications devices, and also handset specifications, for
example, whether a handset supports dual softkey response
mechanisms for enabling a subscriber to select one option of two
optional device operations. One such consideration is the intended
intrusiveness of mobile advertising, namely, to what degree are
subscribers prepared to be exposed to advertising which depends on
several factors, for example, whether a subscriber has solicited
the advertising or not, his usage profile, his age, and the like.
Subscribers are typically prepared to solicit advertising for
discounts on calls, SMSs, and other cellular services.
[0009] The present invention proposes restrictions for limiting
mobile advertising to avoid subscriber discontent. Restrictions may
be defined per IDM or be uniform over a predetermined period of
time. Restrictions may be personalized per individual subscriber or
groups of subscribers. Restrictions may be set from a subscriber's
handset or by Over The Air (OTA) instructions from the network
side. OTA instructions may be incorporated in IDMs themselves by
the provision of suitable fields. Restrictions can include inter
alia controlling the display time of individual ADMs, the number of
ADMs, the delay time between a subscriber requesting additional
content and displaying the requested additional content, or a
combination of any of the above.
[0010] Transitions between display images including IDMs,
non-interactive ADMs, interactive ADMs for requesting detailed
advertising information, and the like, may be automatic or require
subscriber interaction, for example, depressing a response softkey,
scrolling down, and the like. Invoking interactive ADMs can lead to
placing a call to a call center, displaying a WAP page, displaying
a SMS, displaying another interactive ADM, transmitting a request
for a call center to call the subscriber, transmitting a request
for a link to be forwarded to the subscriber' s email address, and
displaying a menu listing at least two of aforesaid response
mechanisms.
[0011] IDMs and ADMs can be delivered over the same PTMP or PTP
delivery channel. Alternatively, IDMs can be delivered over a PTMP
delivery channel and ADMs over a PTP delivery channel, or vice
versa. More personalized display messages irrespective of whether
they are IDMs or ADMs are better suited for delivery over a PTP
delivery channel. Conversely, more generic display messages are
better suited for delivery over a PTMP delivery channel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] In order to understand the invention and to see how it can
be carried out in practice, preferred embodiments will now be
described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to
the accompanying drawings in which similar parts are likewise
numbered, and in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a system for mobile
advertising on personal cellular telecommunications devices in
accordance with the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a Level 0 IDM
including a header portion and a payload portion including a
content precursor, and a visual advertising component;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a personal cellular
telecommunications device in accordance with the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the top level methodology of
mobile advertising on personal cellular telecommunications devices
in accordance with the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a personal cellular
telecommunications device displaying a Type 1 Level 0 IDM with a
content precursor "President Bush resigns . . . " and a single
response softkey OK for requesting additional content associated
with the IDM's content precursor;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a personal cellular
telecommunications device displaying a Type II Level 0 IDM with the
content precursor "President Bush resigns . . . ", an advertising
phrase "Barclays Bank your friendly bank", and a single response
softkey OK for requesting additional content associated with the
IDM's content precursor;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a personal cellular
telecommunications device displaying a Type III Level 0 IDM with
the content precursor "President Bush resigns . . . ", the
advertising phrase "Barclays Bank your friendly bank", a response
softkey STORY for requesting additional content associated with the
IDM's content precursor, and a response softkey ADVERT for
requesting advertising information associated with the IDM's
advertising phrase;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a personal cellular
telecommunications device displaying requested additional content
associated with one of FIG. 5, FIG. 6 or FIG. 7's Level 0 IDMs'
content precursor "President Bush resigns . . . ";
[0021] FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a personal cellular
telecommunications device displaying advertising information
associated with either FIG. 6's or FIG. 7's Level 0 IDMs'
advertising phrase "Barclays Bank your friendly bank";
[0022] FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of a personal cellular
telecommunications device displaying an IDM which a subscriber has
to manually complete with his email address;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of a personal cellular
telecommunications device displaying an interactive options menu
for enabling a subscriber to select his preferred mode of obtaining
advertising information;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of a personal cellular
telecommunications device displaying a Type I Level 1
non-interactive ADM waiting for a timeout to continue regular
device operation;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of a personal cellular
telecommunications device displaying a Type II Level 1
non-interactive ADM requiring subscriber interaction or waiting for
a timeout to continue regular device operation;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of a personal cellular
telecommunications device displaying a Type III Level 1
non-interactive ADM requiring a subscriber to manually scroll down
or wait for a timeout to continue regular device operation;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of a personal cellular
telecommunications device displaying a Type IV Level 1 interactive
ADM with a response softkey SKIP to continue regular device
operation and a response softkey MORE DETAILS for requesting
advertising information associated therewith;
[0028] FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of a personal cellular
telecommunications device displaying a Type V Level 1 interactive
ADM with a single response softkey OK for requesting advertising
information associated therewith;
[0029] FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of a personal cellular
telecommunications device displaying an interactive options menu
for enabling a subscriber to select STORY for additional content or
ADVERT for advertising information associated with FIG. 6's Level 0
IDM's content precursor and advertising phrase, respectively;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a flow chart of the methodology of mobile
advertising on a personal cellular telecommunications device
starting at a FIG. 5's Type I Level 0 IDM;
[0031] FIG. 19 is a flow chart of the methodology of mobile
advertising on a personal cellular telecommunications device
starting at a FIG. 6's Type II Level 0 IDM; and
[0032] FIG. 20 is a flow chart of the methodology of mobile
advertising on a personal cellular telecommunications device
starting at a FIG. 7's Type III Level 0 IDM.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0033] FIG. 1 shows a cellular telecommunications network 10
including a plurality of MSCs 11, a plurality of BSCs 12, and a
plurality of individually addressable BTSs 13 for streaming content
to personal cellular telecommunications devices (hereinafter
abbreviated to "devices") 30. The devices 30 include inter alia
simple handset phones, smartphones, combined PDA/phones, combined
MP3 music players/phones, and the like. GSM devices 30 include a
host Mobile Equipment (ME) 31, and a resident Subscriber Identity
Module (SIM) card 32 (see FIG. 3). The host ME 31 has its own
unique vendor allocated 15 digit International Mobile Equipment
Identification (IMEI) number, for example, 490548400308362. The SIM
card 32 has a cellular operated allocated 15 digit International
Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number, for example,
425010100437187.
[0034] The cellular telecommunications network 10 includes an
Information Content Server (ICS) 14 for displaying Level 0 IDMs on
the devices 30, and additional content associated therewith for
display on demand as requested by subscribers. The IDMs include at
least one response mechanism for continuing device operation
including displaying additional content, for example, by browsing
to a WAP page, and the like. The ICS 14 can be fed by a Location
Based Server (LBS) 16 for providing location based IDMs and
associated additional content. IDMs are preferably transmitted over
a PTMP delivery channel due to bandwidth considerations whilst
their respective additional content is typically transmitted over a
PTP delivery channel to the subscribers requesting same. IDMs can
also be transmitted over a PTP delivery channel.
[0035] The cellular telecommunications network 10 also includes an
Advertisement Display Message (ADM) Server 17 for providing ADMs
for display on the devices 30. ADMs can be non-interactive or
interactive to provide additional advertising information to
subscribers. ADMs are also preferably transmitted over a PTMP
delivery channel due to bandwidth considerations but they also may
be transmitted over a PTP delivery channel. ADMs can be transmitted
individually or in batches of two or more ADMs.
[0036] The cellular telecommunications network 10 preferably
includes a Campaign Manager (CM) 18 for assisting operators to run
campaigns and programs, and to analyze subscriber behavior
regarding both IDMs and ADMs. The CM 18 may also provide
information for billing purposes.
[0037] The cellular telecommunications network 10 is connected to a
call center 19 for enabling subscribers to receive further details
regarding advertisements which they are interested in, ordering
products and services, and the like. The cellular
telecommunications network 10 is also connected to a WAP site 21,
and the Internet 22.
[0038] FIG. 2 shows an IDM 60 including a header portion 61, and a
payload portion 62 including a content precursor 63, for example,
"President Bush resigns . . . " to be displayed on devices 30. The
payload portion 62 may optionally include visual advertising
components, for example, an advertising phrase 64 "Barclays Bank
your friendly bank" for displaying together with the content
precursor 63 in the same display image. The header portion 61 may
include a DISPLAY TIME field 66 for determining the maximum
duration the IDM 60 is to be displayed on devices 30. The header
portion 61 may include a MAX TIME DELAY field 67 for determining a
maximum time delay for displaying mobile advertising from invoking
an IDM for displaying the additional content associated with its
content precursor, and displaying the additional content. The MAX
TIME DELAY field 67 can accept values in the range from 0 to, say,
30 seconds. The value 0 precludes displaying ADMs after invoking an
IDM. The value 30 means that possibly one or two ADMs can be
displayed between an IDM's initial display and displaying its
additional contents.
[0039] The header portion 61 may include a MAX ADM field 68 for
determining a maximum number of ADMs to be displayed before
displaying requested additional content associated with a content
precursor. The MAX ADM field 68 can accept values in the range from
0 to, say, 5. The value 0 precludes displaying ADMs between an
IDM's initial display and displaying the additional contents
associated with its content precursor. The value 5 means that up to
five ADMs can be displayed between an IDM's initial display and
displaying its additional contents.
[0040] FIG. 3 shows the devices 30 include a cellular network
interface 33 for bi-directional interfacing with the cellular
telecommunications network 10, an operating system 34 in
communication with the cellular network interface 33, a display
screen 36, a user interface 37 for inputting instructions, and a
memory unit 38 with a buffer 39 for storing visual advertising
components for insertion in IDMs, and discrete ADMs. The devices 30
include a Mobile Advertising Selection Module (MASM) 41 for
selecting visual advertising components and ADMs from the buffer 39
for display purposes in accordance with a selection scheme, and a
Mobile Advertising Deletion Module (MADM) 42 for deleting visual
advertising components and ADMs from the buffer 39 in accordance
with a deletion scheme. The devices 30 preferably include a
Subscriber Content Filter (SCF) 43 for storing a subscriber's
individual content filters for preventing unwanted content from
being displayed thereon.
[0041] The devices 30 preferably includes a register 44 for
receives values limiting the maximum durations of IDMs on devices
30. The register 44 receives values from the network side, the
subscriber's handset by means of a suitable user interface, or
IDMs' DISPLAY TIME field 66. The devices 30 preferably includes a
register 46 for receiving values limiting the delay time between a
subscriber requesting additional content associated with a content
precursor, and displaying the requested additional content. The
register 46 receives values from the network side, the subscriber's
handset by means of a suitable user interface, or IDMs' MAX TIME
DELAY field 67. The operating system 34 interrupts displaying Level
1 ADMs to display additional content on elapsing of the maximum
time delay. The devices 30 also preferably include a register 47
for receiving values limiting the number of Level 1 ADMs between a
subscriber requesting additional content associated with a content
precursor, and displaying the requested additional content. The
register 47 receives values from the network side, the subscriber's
handset by means of a suitable user interface, or IDMs' MAX ADM
field 68. The operating system 34 interrupts displaying Level 1
ADMs to display additional content after displaying the maximum
number of Level 1 ADMs.
[0042] FIG. 4 shows a top level methodology 100 of mobile
advertising on devices 30 in accordance with the present invention.
The methodology includes the cellular telecommunications network 10
transmitting Level 0 IDMs including content precursors with or
without visual advertising components for display on devices 30.
Subscribers wishing to display additional content associated with
Level 0 IDMs' content precursors invoke same. Mobile advertising
may be displayed during the waiting time between subscribers
requesting additional content or not as the case may be. In the
event that Level 0 IDMs include a visual advertising component,
subscribers may wish to immediately obtain detailed advertising
information associated with same. In the case of interactive ADMs,
subscribers can request detailed advertising information associated
therewith thereby overriding an original request for additional
content. Detailed methodologies of mobile advertising on devices
are described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 18 to 20.
[0043] FIGS. 5 to 17 are schematic representations of three Level 0
IDMs (FIGS. 5 to 7) and ten lower level display images including
additional content, non-interactive and interactive ADMs,
interactive option menus, and the like. The Level 0 IDMs and lower
level display images include softkey responses labeled OK, SKIP,
MORE DETAILS, and the like, for apprising subscribers regarding
continuing regular device operation. The labels appearing in the
specification are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be
construed to limit the scope of the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 5's display image shows a Type I Level 0 IDM 70 with
the content precursor "President Bush resigns . . . ", without a
visual advertising component, and with a single response softkey OK
71. FIG. 6's display image shows a Type II Level 0 IDM 72 with the
same content precursor "President Bush resigns . . . ", an
advertising phrase "Barclays Bank your friendly bank", and a single
response softkey OK 73 for continued device operation. FIG. 7's
display image shows a Type III Level 0 IDM 74 with the same content
precursor and advertising phrase as the Type II Level 0 IDM 72, and
dual response softkeys including a first response softkey STORY 76
for displaying additional content associated with the content
precursor and a second response softkey ADVERT 77 for requesting
detailed advertising information associated with the advertising
phrase. The advertising phrases in Type II Level 0 IDMs 72 and Type
III Level 0 IDMs 74 can be retrieved from the buffer 39 in
accordance with the MASM 41 whereupon they are displayed
simultaneously therewith. Alternatively, the advertising phrases
can be transmitted with Level 0 IDMs either over a PTMP or PTP
delivery channel.
[0045] FIG. 8's display image shows requested additional content 78
associated with Level 0 IDMs 70, 72 and 74's content precursor
"President Bush resigns . . . ". Providing detailed advertising
information to a subscriber on invoking the softkey response ADVERT
77 includes one of the following: loading a WAP page 79 (see FIG.
9), initiating a call to a call center, displaying an interactive
ADM, transmitting a request that a service provider will send
additional information over SMS or MMS, transmitting a request that
a service provider forward a link to a subscriber's email address,
and the like. A subscriber's email address may be pre-stored at a
cellular operator, or may be a default email address pre-stored in
his personal cellular telecommunications device or he may be
required to manually complete an IDM 81 with his email address (see
FIG. 10). Alternatively, invoking the response softkey ADVERT 77
may lead to displaying an interactive options menu 82 for enabling
a subscriber to select his preferred mode of obtaining detailed
advertising information (see FIG. 11).
[0046] FIG. 12's display image shows a Type I Level 1
non-interactive ADM 83 requiring a subscriber to wait for a timeout
for continuing regular device operation. ADM 83 can optionally
include a user instruction "WAIT" and/or the content precursor of a
Level 0 IDM 70, 72 or 74. FIG. 13's display image shows a Type II
Level 1 non-interactive ADM 84 requiring subscriber interaction
typically in the form of a click or waiting for a timeout for
continuing regular device operation. ADM 84 can optionally include
a user instruction "Press OK for full story" and/or the content
precursor of a Level 0 IDM 70, 72 or 74. FIG. 14's display image
shows a Type III Level 1 non-interactive ADM 87 requiring a
subscriber to manually scroll down or wait for a timeout for
continuing regular device operation. ADM 87 can optionally include
a user instruction "Scroll down for full story" and/or the content
precursor of a Level 0 IDM 70, 72 or 74. Regular device operation
including, for example, displaying another ADM can be achieved by
any one of several transition mechanisms including inter alia
automatic scrolling, full screen replacement, and the like.
[0047] FIG. 15's display image shows a Type IV Level 1 interactive
ADM 88 including a first response softkey SKIP 89 for continuing
regular device operation and a second response softkey MORE DETAILS
91 for requesting detailed advertising information whereupon, on a
subscriber invoking the response softkey MORE DETAILS 91, the
subscriber is immediately provided with detailed advertising
information associated with ADM 88. ADM 88 can optionally include
the content precursor of a Level 0 IDM 70, 72 or 74. FIG. 16's
display image shows a Type V Level 1 interactive ADM 92 including a
response softkey OK 93 for requesting detailed advertising
information associated therewith whereupon, on a subscriber
invoking the response softkey OK 93, the subscriber is immediately
provided with detailed advertising information associated
therewith.
[0048] Invoking the response softkeys MORE DETAILS 91 and OK 93
provides detailed advertising information to the subscriber in a
similar manner as in the case of invoking the response softkey
ADVERT 77. But invoking the response softkeys MORE DETAILS 91 and
OK 93 provides detailed advertising information associated with the
ADMs 88 and 92 and not as shown on WAP page 79 which is associated
with the Level 0 IDM 74's advertising phrase "Barclays Bank your
friendly bank". Thus, in the case of invoking the response softkeys
MORE DETAILS 91 and OK 93, an exemplary WAP page may show cheap
return air flights from Heathrow to major European cities.
[0049] FIG. 17's display image shows an optional interactive
options menu 94 in the case of starting at a FIG. 6's Type I Level
0 IDM 72 for enabling a subscriber to select STORY for additional
content associated with the content precursor "President Bush
resigns . . . " or ADVERT for detailed advertising information
associated with its advertising phrase "Barclays Bank your friendly
bank".
[0050] FIG. 18 shows a methodology 110 of mobile advertising on
devices 30 starting at a Type I Level 0 IDM 70 in which case a
subscriber has to view at least one Level 1 ADM before he can
request detailed advertising information. On invoking a Type I
Level 0 IDM, a device 30 determines whether to display mobile
advertising or not based on several factors including inter alia
day of week, time of day, user preferences or profile, the values
stored in registers 46 and 47, and the like. In the affirmative, a
device 30 displays one of the Level 1 ADMs 83, 84, 87, 88 and 92 in
a Mobile Advertising Block (MAB). In the case of displaying one of
ADMs 88 and 92, and invoking either ADM 88's response softkey 91
MORE DETAILS or ADM 92's response softkey OK 93, a subscriber is
immediately provided with the detailed advertising information as
requested. Otherwise a device 30 reverts to continuing regular
device operation, and determines whether to continue to display
mobile advertising or not.
[0051] FIG. 19 shows a methodology 120 of mobile advertising on
devices 30 starting at a FIG. 6's Type II Level 0 IDM 72. The
methodology 120 is similar to the methodology 110 and also includes
the mobile advertising block MAB. The methodology 120 differs from
the methodology 110 insofar that a Type II Level 0 IDM 72 includes
a visual advertising component either transmitted therewith or
retrieved from the buffer 39 for simultaneous display purposes.
Moreover, invoking a Type II Level 0 IDM 72 may lead to displaying
the interactive options menu 94 whereupon a subscriber can decide
he immediately wants detailed advertising information associated
with the originating Type II Level 0 IDM 72's advertising phrase
"Barclays Bank your friendly bank" as opposed to the additional
content associated with its content precursor "President Bush
resigns . . . ".
[0052] FIG. 20 shows a methodology 130 of mobile advertising on
devices 30 starting at a FIG. 7's Type III Level 0 IDM 74. The
methodology 130 is similar to the methodology 110 and also includes
the mobile advertising block MAB. The methodology 130 differs from
the methodology 110 insofar that a Type III Level 0 IDM 74 includes
a visual advertising component either transmitted therewith or
retrieved from the buffer 39 for simultaneous display purposes.
Moreover, a subscriber may invoke the response softkey ADVERT 77 to
directly obtain detailed advertising information associated with
its advertising phrase "Barclays Bank your friendly bank".
[0053] While the invention has been described with respect to a
limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many
variations, modifications, and other applications of the invention
can be made within the scope of the appended claims. For example,
whilst the present invention has been described in parts with
reference to its GSM implementation, it is suitable for
implementation by both existing or still evolving technologies
including inter alia PCS, GPRS, 3G, CDMA, UMTS, W-CDMA, CDMA2000
and the like, and/or both existing and still evolving services
including inter alia MBMS, OMA BCAST, OMA DCD, DVB-H, DMB, and the
like.
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